| Cover Page | Aug. 03, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 3, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-32383 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0627356 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1950 Spectrum Circle |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Marietta |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30067 |
| City Area Code | 770 |
| Local Phone Number | 953-7000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | BXC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001301787 |
